A lot of renters settle for an outdated, boring space until they can move into the home of their dreams. Good news, renters: you don’t have to! Here are some easy rental upgrades you can complete yourself (or with just a little help) in no time. Even better: you can take these upgrades with you when you move!
1. Add a rainshower head to your shower
Want a total spa experience? Swap the old rental shower head for a luxurious rainshower style. Installation isn’t difficult; it should take less than half an hour.
According to Planit DIY, simply unscrew the old shower head, add some teflon tape around the threads, and screw the new rainshower fixture on. Remember to turn the water main off first, and save the original shower head to put back when you move!
2. Upgrade your bathroom vanity lighting fixtures
Image: Blackknight Group
Bathroom vanity lights are affordable and easy to install. Visit your favorite home improvement center for the best variety. Most come with easy-to-follow instructions on how to install them, but, if in doubt, hire a licensed electrician. It should take a professional no time at all to complete this bathroom upgrade.
Want to take it to the next level? If you can remove the existing mirror easily, replace it with a coordinating mirror to tie in your new lighting fixture.
3. Add a smart thermostat
Image: Amazon
The latest smart thermostats keep your home comfortable, and save you money by regulating temperature throughout the day. They’re easy to install, and can often be switched on or off remotely via a smartphone app.
The Amazon Ecobee comes with Alexa voice and room sensors, making adjusting your home’s temperature as easy as telling it what you need.
4. Replace the bedroom light switch with a dimmer
Image: Best Builders
Create a high-end, restful bedroom (and add a little atmosphere) with something as simple as swapping out the light switch with a sliding light dimmer. Adjustable lighting makes a huge difference in the ambiance of your bedroom.
5. Add more lighting in your closet
Photo: HGTV
Make your closet more functional by adding lighting. Track lighting, under-the-shelf LEDs, or even a brighter ceiling light makes it easier to find what you need.
No electric outlets available? Install battery-powered LED lights. The battery life is long, thanks to the low voltage the LEDs use.
6. Upgrade to a cool kitchen faucet
Image: Inc Architecture and Design
You can pick up a commercial-style spray faucet at a home improvement center for under $150—some even include a coordinating soap dispenser! Installation isn’t difficult, and the aesthetic difference is amazing.
7. Choose modern window coverings
Image: Tom Stringer
Curtains, Roman shades and other types of window coverings are worth the splurge. They pull your existing decor together while adding a luxurious feel to your rental. Plus, in most cases, they’re easy to take down and move to your next home.
8. Trade out old wall outlets with smart ones
Image: Lowe’s
The majority of charging that happens at home is for USB devices. Why not swap out your old wall outlets with new, multi-purpose ones featuring USB ports? Easy rental upgrades like this simplify your space and make your life so. Much. Easier.
9. Mount wireless speakers in every room
Image: Sonos
High-quality wireless speakers are small and easy to mount. They make it easy to stream music into any room, or enhance the sound quality of whatever you’re watching. Once you have wireless speakers set up in your favorite rooms, you’ll never go back to basic.
10. Swap out kitchen hardware and knobs
Image: Elizabeth Lawson Design
The secret to swapping out the knobs—without drilling holes in rental cabinets—is to upgrade them with the same size or type of knobs the cabinets currently use. The project is simple: all you’ll need is a screwdriver and a small bag to safely keep the original hardware in—until it’s time to put it back. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles for a unique look.
If you’re living in a rental—or if you’ve just moved into a rental—give a few of these easy rental upgrades a try, and add a little more luxury to your life that you can take with you when you move out. If you do, drop us a line in the comments and let us know how it went!
The post 10 Easy Rental Upgrades You Can Do (And Take With You When You Move) appeared first on Freshome.com.
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